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Wozniacki, Hsieh Confirm Participation In Bmw M'sian 0pen 2013

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- World number 10 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and defending champion Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan became the first two players to confirm participations in the BMW Malaysian Open women tennis championship next year.

The announcement was made by event patron Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during a press conference at a hotel here Saturday.

The former prime minister also announced the qualifier wildcard entry for national player 16-year-old Aslina Chua, who was recently crowned BMW Malaysian National Circuit 2012 Women's Open winner.

In his speech, Dr Mahathir said, it had always been his intention to see Malaysians engaging in sports, not just for its competitive elements but also in promoting healthy lifestyle, as well as developing stronger mindset and discipline.

"This passion also had to do with cultivating sportsmen and sportswomen from young, who will be advocates for Malaysia and future role models for our younger generation to look up to," he said. He said, since its introduction in 2010, the tournament had become an important event in the Malaysian sporting calendar, attracting spectators from all over the world and positioning Malaysia as a serious sporting destination.

"The BMW Malaysian Open has also given the younger generation a platform to showcase their talent in the sports arena, and this is vital in the growth of sports in the country," he said.

Dr Mahathir then had an online video conversation with Hsieh, who is currently undergoing training in Melbourne, Australia.

Hsieh said she looked forward to coming back to Malaysia and planned to bring her family to visit the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers.

"It's always good to come back to a place where I win a tournament," said the currently ranked No 25 in the WTA Tour singles ranking. The BMW Malaysian Open, a fully-sanctioned event on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, will be held from Feb 25 to March 3, next year at the Royal Selangor Golf Club near here.

Thirty-two women tennis players from the WTA Tour will compete for the singles title. The prize purse is USD235,000 (RM718,277).

The competition will also feature 16 teams for the doubles title, as well as a qualifier tournament for 24 players leading to the main draw.

Meanwhile, Chua, who stands at number 596 in the world, is excited to be given an opportunity to play alongside international players in the competition.

"This is only my first year playing competitive tennis and I'm very grateful for this chance. It will also be my first time playing in a professional tournament, so I'm very excited and I hope to do well," said the Sarawak-born.

-- BERNAMA

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